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Pursuit of the unknown: Understanding refugee decision-making
Get PDFThe 2015 refugee ‘crisis’ resulted in one of the largest refugee movements since the Second World War. The construction of refugee movements as a ‘crisis’ contributed to state centric responses primarily dehumanizing refugees and promoting restrictive protection policies. The 2015 refugee ‘crisis’ was a reminder that there is a gap in understanding how refugees make their decisions along their journeys as refugee movements of the mid-2010s defied the conventional expectations, in both legal and theoretical realms, for refugee behavior. To fill these gaps, this study explores refugee decision-making by investigating refugees’ own stories. The primary question driving this study is how do refugees make their decisions? And why do different refugees make different decisions within seemingly similar situations? Building on legal, historical, and theoretical accounts of refugee behavior, this study proposes a new theoretical framework, called Interactive Decision-making Model. This model is composed of three main components: spectrum of coercion, spectrum of time, and decision-making environment. Through interactions with these components, refugees make their decisions along their journeys. Utilizing a qualitative narrative analysis approach, this study develops and explores the viability of this model. Through interviews with forty-four refugees from Iran and Syria, it demonstrates how coercion, time, and decision-making environment inform refugees’ decisions throughout their journeys. The findings of these interviews highlight the diversity of refugees’ experiences and behaviors. They also call for more inclusive protection policies that are reflective of refugees’ experiences and decision-making processes.Graduat
Role of inflammatory mechanisms in major depressive disorder: From etiology to potential pharmacological targets
Get PDFThe involvement of central and peripheral inflammation in the pathogenesis and prognosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been demonstrated. The increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1?, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-?) in individuals with depression may elicit neuroinflammatory processes and peripheral inflammation, mechanisms that, in turn, can contribute to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Together, neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis induce alterations in tryptophan metabolism, culminating in decreased serotonin synthesis, impairments in neuroplasticity-related mechanisms, and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. This review aims to highlight the inflammatory mechanisms (neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, and gut dysbiosis) involved in the pathophysiology of MDD and to explore novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches for this psychiatric disturbance. Several lines of evidence have indicated that in addition to antidepressants, physical exercise, probiotics, and nutraceuticals (agmatine, ascorbic acid, and vitamin D) possess anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to their antidepressant properties. Further studies are necessary to explore the therapeutic benefits of these alternative therapies for MDD.The authors acknowledge funding from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq; #312215/2021-5) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação de Santa Catarina (FAPESC, Brazil). J.G.M. acknowledges funding from the University of Victoria (UVic, Victoria, BC, Canada)—São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) SPRINT partnership (UVic-FAPESP SPRINT 1/2018). A.L.S.R. is CNPq Research Fellow.FacultyReviewe
Spatiotemporal distribution, abundance, and persistence of kelp forests in the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada
No full textKelp forests are highly productive coastal ecosystems on 25% of the world’s coastlines, providing key biogenic habitats in nearshore ecosystems. These ecosystems are experiencing variable changes worldwide, ranging from detrimental impacts from climate change and pollution to trophic collapses. Still, in British Columbia (BC), Canada, the kelp distribution and drivers of kelp change remain largely unknown in many locations. Thus, local-scale studies are needed to understand kelp dynamics to inform marine spatial planning decisions for coastal practitioners. In particular, the Broughton Archipelago, BC, located in Kwakwakaʼwakw territories, supports floating kelp forests of various species compositions and sizes in a spatially explicit environmental gradient across an outer archipelago subregion and an inner fjord subregion. The Mamalilikulla First Nation, ‘'Na̱mg̱is First Nation, and the Kwikwasut’inuxw/Haxwa’mis First Nation, who formed the Broughton Aquaculture Transition Initiative (BATI), are interested in the status and trends of kelp forests due to their utility as juvenile salmon habitat. This research investigates kelp forests' spatiotemporal distribution, abundance, and persistence in the Broughton Archipelago. We first identify environmental and biotic variables that drive spatial differences in kelp forest distribution and abundance. We achieved this by mapping floating kelp abundance (giant kelp: Macrocystis pyrifera, bull kelp: Nereocystis luetkeana) at 31 focal sites across the environmental gradient using unmanned aerial vehicle and high-resolution satellite imagery, compiling environmental data from in-situ sources and environmental models, and characterizing grazer (sea urchins, Strongylocentrus spp. and Mesocentrotus franciscanus) and predator (sunflower sea stars, Pycnopodia helianthoides) abundances from remotely operated vehicle footage. Second, we investigate the spatiotemporal persistence and resilience of kelp forests in the face of climate change. This was achieved by creating long-term (1984 to 2023) and short-term (2016 to 2023) time series of floating kelp areas in association with environmental drivers of change using medium- (30 m) to high- (3 m) resolution satellite imagery, and spatially combining yearly kelp areas to identify spatial patterns of kelp persistence. Overall, we found that the lower sea-surface temperatures, flatter bottom slopes, and higher tidal current speeds typical of the archipelago subregion were positively associated with kelp abundance; whereas the warmer sea-surface temperatures, steeper bottom slopes, and lower tidal current speeds found in the fjord subregion were negatively associated with kelp abundance, reinforcing the known spatial patterns of kelp distribution and abundance found in other studies across the BC coast. Biotically, sea urchin and Pycnopodia abundances did not significantly affect kelp abundance, likely due to low abundances of sea urchins. Kelp forests were temporally persistent, with most kelp areas displaying increases or no change in kelp areas, and kelps were more persistent in their centers than the edges of each kelp bed. These findings provide a baseline understanding of kelp distribution, abundance, persistence, and their associated environmental and biotic drivers in the Broughton Archipelago. Ultimately, this can inform kelp forest conservation and management decisions such as kelp harvesting and kelp restoration for by local communities and First Nations, and contribute to a broader regional understanding of the spatiotemporal patterns of kelp forests in the Northeast Pacific Ocean.Graduat
The impact of art in STEAM on the willingness of girl students in STEM subjects
No full textThis study investigates the impact of integrating Art into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) on the willingness of female students to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects. Recognizing the inherent strengths of female students in liberal arts and humanities, a novel instructional framework was developed. This framework combines the 5E instructional model with Stanford's design thinking model to create a comprehensive STEAM lesson plan. The workshop, conducted over one day, involved eight female students from grades 3 and 4. The workshop plan, designed as a practical guide, was structured around the science of sound and noise pollution, topics chosen based on extensive teaching experience in high school Physics. Through observations of their activities, problem-solving methods, and interactions, several key findings emerged.
Enhanced learning through art integration significantly improved the understanding of sound characteristics and the ability to analyze sound graphs, even in elementary-level students. High levels of empathy integrated into problem-solving fostered a sense of responsibility towards nature and humanity. This ethical motivation drove deeper engagement in the STEAM project and increased precision in STEM activities. Leveraging female students' strengths in art boosted their confidence, enabling them to tackle real-life problems seamlessly integrating Art and STEM. The study demonstrates that utilizing the strengths of female students in art and empathy within STEAM education not only enhances their willingness to participate in STEM but also improves their overall learning experience and problem-solving skills.Graduat
Insights into cetacean habitat use in British Columbia using visual and acoustic methods
Get PDFCetaceans play critical roles in marine ecosystems as top predators and ecosystem engineers. In British Columbia (BC), cetacean populations are recovering from industrial whaling and responding to other anthropogenic pressures, such as vessel noise, climate change, and ship strikes. Protecting these populations requires knowledge of their habitat use patterns to inform effective management. In this thesis, I use visual and acoustic methods to contribute to the historical and current knowledge of cetacean habitat use in BC’s waters. In Chapter 2, I use visual data gathered via transect line surveys offshore of Clayoquot Sound, BC, between 1993 and 2007. These surveys yielded observations of eleven cetacean species. Analyses of habitat variables indicated significant interspecific differences in habitat use, a negative correlation between Dall’s porpoise group size and sea-surface temperature, and an increased offshore distance for the southward gray whale migration. Interannual changes in sighting rates reflected known population dynamics, while seasonal changes supported inshore-offshore movement patterns for Dall’s porpoise and Pacific white-sided dolphins. In Chapter 3, I use acoustic data gathered from two hydrophones deployed on the east and west coasts of Haida Gwaii in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site from August 2018 to August 2019. Manual analyses of these data were used to identify cetacean call and vessel presence. At least eight species were identified and foraging, breeding, and migratory habitat uses were inferred from call timing and behavioural associations of call types. The maximum frequencies of the loudest identified vessel noise were measured and overlap with cetacean call frequencies, as well as the co-occurrence of cetacean calls and vessels, suggest the potential for call masking and disturbance. Large and small vessels were more common on the west and east coasts, respectively, and these findings inform site-specific noise management recommendations. In Chapter 4, I use these acoustic data to provide insights into the gray whale migration route and habitat use, since these are poorly understood in northern BC. Gray whales were only detected during the northward migration on the east coast, suggesting that the migrations primarily occurred outside the hydrophone detection ranges. The visual and acoustic monitoring conducted in this thesis contributes to cetacean conservation by advancing our understanding of cetacean habitat use and vessel presence in BC.Graduat
Proanthocyanidins in poplar roots - effects on mycorrhizal colonization and nitrogen uptake
Get PDFProanthocyanidins (PAs), also known as condensed tannins, are widespread plant secondary metabolites, especially common in trees. PAs are known for their roles in plant defense and soil nutrient cycling, and their many applications in human medicine and diet. Although substantial research has focused on PA function in plant shoots, few studies have investigated their roles in roots. Some research indicates that PAs act as anti-fungal compounds, suggesting PAs in roots could negatively affect beneficial fungi in soils such as mycorrhizal fungi, which provide nutrients, including nitrogen (N), to host plants. Notably, the growth of the ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungus Laccaria bicolor was inhibited in vitro by a purified extract of poplar PAs. Therefore, I aimed to evaluate the effects of PAs in roots on mycorrhizal colonization as well as on N uptake by colonized roots.
Poplar (Populus. tremula x P. tremuloides) was chosen as the study species because poplars produce a wide range of phenolic compounds, including PAs. I utilized transgenic lines developed previously that have high and low PA concentrations in plant tissues, including roots. Plants from each line were equally divided into two treatment groups inoculated with either the EcM fungus L. bicolor or the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, and one non-inoculated control group. Plants were grown in a sandwich culture system that allows co-culture of the mycorrhizal fungi and roots, or inoculated with the fungi in soil in a greenhouse experiment. Uptake of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) by plant roots was measured using a microelectrode ion flux measurement system (MIFETM), and by 15N-labelling.
Successful EcM colonization on poplar roots was confirmed in all the plant lines, while no AM structures were observed in the roots. Contrary to my prediction, the poplar line with low-PAs/phenolics in roots was less colonized by EcM fungi in both sandwich and soil culture. Additionally, plants from all lines inoculated with EcM fungi in sandwich culture system tended to have lower root PA concentrations. Although no significant difference in N uptake among plant lines or mycorrhizal treatments was observed, NH4+ uptake was greater than NO3− uptake. Understanding the effects of the interaction of root PAs and mycorrhizal fungi on mycorrhizal colonization and N uptake will contribute to our knowledge of the ecological and physiological impacts of PAs in the rhizosphere.Graduate2025-10-1
A Formative Evaluation of the Whistler 360 Health Collaborative Society
Get PDFWhistler 360 Health Collaborative Society (Whistler 360 Health) is a locally governed charitable organization established in 2022 based on two years of research to address the shortage of primary care providers in Whistler, BC (Whistler 360 Health Collaborative Society, 2023). This evaluation was conducted during the first year of Whistler 360 Health taking over operations of Whistler Medical Clinic in January 2023.
This evaluation aims to provide a narrative of Whistler 360 Health during its first year of implementation and operation and identify key areas of success, learning, and recommendations for further implementation. Whistler 360 Health is in the early stages of implementation. As such, the purpose of this formative evaluation is to explore the strengths and challenges experienced to date, the unique strengths of this initiative, and factors relevant to its future sustainability.Graduat
Algorithms for prediction of RNA secondary structure: coronavirus pseudoknots via Shapify & CParty
No full textRNA molecules play a vital role in cellular processes, and many possess functional structures. Due to the complex nature of experimental methods to detect RNA structure, computational tools to predict RNA structure formation are invaluable for building comprehensive knowledge. We seek to predict RNA structure algorithmically, with a focus on the following concepts from the literature: (1) Minimum Free Energy (MFE) methods, (2) the hierarchical folding hypothesis, and (3) partition function ensemble approaches. The MFE framework is an RNA folding hypothesis stating that each RNA molecule folds into the structure with the minimum free energy. In conjunction with MFE, we employ the biologically motivated hierarchical folding hypothesis, stating that an RNA molecule will first fold once (initial fold), before a subsequent folding may occur that lowers the structure's free energy. The accuracy of MFE and hierarchical folding methods can be improved by effective incorporation of known RNA structure information such as experimental reactivity data. We introduce Shapify, an algorithm incorporating experimental data within hierarchical RNA folding prediction. Shapify receives SHAPE data as input to guide RNA structure prediction, allowing the unification of multiple experimental results to determine structure-function patterns. The time complexity of Shapify is O(N^3) time, where N is the RNA sequence length, enabling faster prediction compared with other methods that also handle a complex RNA structure class.
We then consider the partition function model, based on the MFE approach, where we compute the sum of free energies for each possible RNA structure in the ensemble at equilibrium. The likelihood of any particular RNA structure occurring can then be determined based on the energy of the structure itself relative to the total energy in the system. Currently, partition function methods are restricted to predicting a limited set of RNA structures, because existing algorithms that allow complex RNA structures are too slow, at best O(N^5) time complexity. We introduce CParty, an O(N^3) time complexity partition function algorithm that includes complex RNA structures in the ensemble. The development of CParty's recursive decomposition schemes was non-trivial to integrate within the algorithmic implementation. By providing an input structure to algorithm CParty, we compute a `conditional' partition function, enabling probabilistic calculation that advances understanding of RNA structure formation patterns.
In this dissertation, we (1) incorporate partial RNA structure information into hierarchical secondary structure prediction via Shapify to understand important secondary structure motifs affecting viral function, (2) design and implement CParty, a conditional partition function algorithm to handle complex RNA structures, and (3) apply these and other related algorithms to provide RNA structural information for COVID-19 therapeutic targets. Here, we pinpoint key secondary structure folding motifs in our quest to predict functional RNA structures. Our hierarchical folding algorithms push the frontier of prediction accuracy for functional RNA secondary structures, contributing to coronavirus treatments.Graduat
Training care providers to facilitate physical activity of adults with intellectual disabilities: The inclusion of adult learning principles
No full textBy increasing physical activity participation and reducing sedentary time, adults with intellectual disabilities can reduce the risk of preventable negative health outcomes. However, adults with intellectual disabilities often need support from others to optimize these health promoting behaviours. Care providers that work in community support organizations often lack knowledge and skills to support physical activity participation. In response, researchers and organizations that support individuals with intellectual disabilities have developed professional training to enhance care providers’ capabilities to enable physical activity participation. Centring the learner in the learning process and using principles of adult learning in the training design are important for intervention effectiveness. The aim of this thesis was twofold 1) to synthesize and evaluate the extant literature on physical activity-specific professional development training for care providers for the presence of adult learning principles, and 2) to pilot an intervention for care providers using existing Special Olympics resources supplemented by professional training that incorporates adult learning principles. The thesis is comprised of four manuscripts. The first two manuscripts (Chapters 2 and 3) are the systematic review protocol and the systematic review which address the first aim. Manuscripts 3 and 4 (Chapters 4 and 5) address the second aim. Manuscript 3 is the mixed-methods evaluation of the pilot study and manuscript 4 is a knowledge translation article conveying the intervention and lessons learned to practitioners.Graduat
Quantitative analysis of astrocyte properties in a Syrian hamster model of COVID-19
Get PDFCOVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019), caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), is primarily a respiratory disease, but it can cause a spectrum of acute and long-term neurological symptoms, like fatigue and impaired cognition. Although there is some debate regarding the underlying mechanisms, there is mounting evidence of neuroinflammation in both animal and human models of COVID-19. Neuroinflammation is commonly associated with astrogliosis, which includes changes in astrocytes, such as increased proliferation and increased distribution of the astrocyte-enriched intermediate filament protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); however, this remains relatively unexplored in the context of COVID-19. To this end, my thesis investigated whether mild COVID-19 respiratory infection induces astrogliosis. I created an unbiased imaging and analysis pipeline to quantify astrocyte changes associated with astrogliosis. My pipeline for astrogliosis quantification involves two measures that are increased in the context of astrogliosis: (1) the distribution of GFAP (i.e., the density of GFAP-positive pixels) and (2) the density of astrocytes (with the astrocyte-specific nuclear marker, SOX9). To implement this pipeline within the context of COVID-19, I collaborated with the Kobasa Lab at the National Microbiology Laboratory. The Kobasa Lab modeled mild, peripheral COVID-19 by intranasal inoculation of Syrian hamsters with SARS-CoV-2. They collected brains at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 31 days post-inoculation (DPI). Following extensive fixation (30 days), they shipped the brains to the University of Victoria. In collaboration with a team of UVic researchers, I sectioned the brains coronally. I then performed immunolabelling with SOX9, GFAP, NeuN, and Hoechst and generated tiled confocal micrographs of entire coronal sections. I then digitally isolated key brain regions involved in cognition and susceptibility to inflammation, including the cortex, the corpus callosum, the dorsal striatum, the hippocampus, and the third ventricle. I then subjected these images to my pipeline for astrogliosis quantification. My analysis revealed a significant increase in GFAP distribution in the cortex of female hamsters at 3 DPI. Similarly, I observed increases in GFAP distribution within the hippocampus and corpus callosum of female hamsters at 3 DPI, although these were not statistically significant. In contrast, SOX9+ cell numbers remained unchanged across DPI in both sexes and across brain regions. These findings suggest that mild peripheral COVID-19 may induce partial and transient astrogliosis, specifically in female hamsters. Additionally, minor fluctuations in Hoechst and NeuN staining across various brain regions and time points suggest possible COVID-19-associated changes in marker expression and/or cell/neuronal density, which require further validation. In conclusion, my findings suggest partial and transient, female-specific astrogliosis response to mild peripheral COVID-19, emphasizing the need to consider regional and temporal factors to understand the neurological impacts of COVID-19.Graduat